Three Ways to Have Fun with Your Dog and Be Safe in July

July brings hot weather and loads of fun for both you and your dog. Here are some great ideas for having fun and being safe in July, especially around the Fourth.

How About a Road Trip?

Most dogs love a road trip, but if yours isn't too keen, try short trips to the local park to walk or play fetch. Even the most timid dogs start loving the car when you bring them to places where they can have fun. Try playing with a Frisbee or tennis ball out in a cool park. Be sure to keep your dog on leash, except in designated areas or areas that are enclosed so if your dog sees something interesting, you can get him back.

If you're a conscientious dog owner, you already know that leaving your dog in the car, even with the windows open is a bad idea. So, if you must leave him in the car to get snacks or soda pop at the convenience store, bring a human friend or family member and have them stay behind while you keep the air condition running. Instead of going into a restaurant to eat, many restaurants have drive up to go orders. Bring your meal to the park and have a picnic.

If your dog gets carsick, you can ask your veterinarian for dosages on over-the-counter motion sickness medications.

More Fun than Fireworks

Most dogs hate fireworks, so rather than going to see the fireworks, have a cookout instead and stay home and keep your pup company. When it gets dark and people start lighting up the fireworks, bring him inside and watch a favorite movie together or have friends over with their dogs as a no fireworks zone. Better yet, you can throw a Fourth of July party for your critters and have snacks and games for both humans and pets.

Swimming and Boating

Too hot for you? Maybe the local swimming hole or the lake is just the ticket for fun. Many dogs love the water, but be sure when you don your lifejacket (and you should) that you have one for your best friend as well. Not all dogs swim well and even the strongest dogs get tired. Avoid fast flowing rivers with rapids - even with a lifejacket, your dog could be swept downstream.

If you have a pool, be sure to keep it cordoned off so your dog can't get in it without your supervision. Teach your dog how to get out of the pool; show him where to swim to where he can walk out. Practice this so that if he does get into the pool without you, he can get out.

When you get your dog in the pool or the lake, try playing fetch with floatable water toys made for dogs. Your dog will have a blast and so will you this summer.

References

Margaret H. Bonham, Having Fun with Agility, 2005

Margaret H. Bonham, Bring Me Home: Dogs Make Great Pets, 2005.